Festival markets’ shake-up

UP THE ANTE:

ROCK On Ruby, recommended in this column at 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle, is down to 12s for the big Cheltenham race in March following his close second to Binocular in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Binocular, winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2010, is the same price, but last year’s winner Hurricane Fly retains favouritism at 11-4 despite his absence this season.

Grandouet, hurdling’s big improver, is 6-1 second favourite while his stable companion, Spirit Son, has been backed down to 8-1. Kauto Star is in to 9-2 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his heroics in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Reigning champion Long Run is out a quarter of a point to 11-4, while star novice Grands Crus – yet to be confirmed a definite runner – is 9-1 and Lexus Chase winner Synchronised 12s.

Sprinter Sacre is the new Arkle Chase favourite at 5-2 following his demolition of Peddlers Cross (6-1) at Kempton over Christmas.

And Fingal Bay, who retained his unbeaten record by winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday, is the 5-1 favourite for the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle – nominated as his Cheltenham Festival target by trainer Philip Hobbs.